Monoposto

Formula 1

The Grand Prix Icons

Today’s Formula 1 captivates millions. This racing series has been in existence since 1950, with a set of regulations that has changed time and again. Drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna and Juan Manuel Fangio have left their mark on their era – and kept racing fans around the world on the edge of their seats. The selection of watercolours shown here depicts many of the great racing cars, drivers and events from every decade of Formula 1.

The current paintings of the series

A racing scene from 1976 that stands out in the annals of sporting history

#0282 “Fuji 1976”

The battle for the 1976 World Championship between James Hunt and Niki Lauda culminated on a rain-soaked October afternoon at Fuji Speedway. The fact that Lauda was leading the championship ahead of the final race was a miracle in itself, given that the Austrian had suffered severe burns in a horrific crash at the Nürburgring in August. Incredibly, just six weeks and two races later, he was back in the cockpit to resume his battle with Hunt, whose four victories since Lauda’s accident had given him a three-point lead heading into the Japanese finale. On race day, the rain poured down in such torrents that the restricted visibility forced Lauda to retire after just two laps. The memories of his near-death experience in Germany were still too fresh. Hunt now had to finish fourth or higher to clinch the title – and for a while it looked as though he might succeed. Then, as the race entered its final stages, he suffered a puncture and was forced to head for the pits. But although he rejoined the race in fifth place, the McLaren driver, now on fresh tyres, was still able to catch up with Alan Jones and Clay Regazzoni. With two laps to go, he overtook both of them and secured his only World Championship title. Pictured here, Hunt’s McLaren leads ahead of Niki Lauda and John Watson’s Penske PC3.

About the artwork

#0490 'Near to Perfection'

#0993C 'Michael Schumacher'

#0364 'Porsche 804'

Ein besonderes Einzelstück

#0452 “Formula One 1968”

The Ford Cosworth engine remained a dominant force in the 1968 season as well. Lotus no longer had exclusive rights to it – so the competition was now fierce. Graham Hill won the Drivers’ World Championship in the successful Lotus 49B, which also secured the Constructors’ World Championship for Lotus. Jo Siffert also drove a 49B for a privateer team. Jackie Stewart finished second in the championship, driving the Matra MS10 fielded by Ken Tyrrell and winning exactly the same number of races as Hill. Jean-Pierre Beltoise was his team-mate. Denny Hulme, in his McLaren M7A, was not far behind. All used Cosworth engines. Pedro Rodriguez drove the BRM and John Surtees the Honda 301. Jim Clark had won the first Grand Prix of the season, but tragically lost his life in a Formula 2 race at Hockenheim. With the introduction of sponsor liveries during that racing season, many cars were given colourful designs. Lotus now sported the red, white and gold ‘Player’s Gold Leaf’ livery. The national colours were consigned to oblivion.

About the artwork

#0693 'Maserati 250F'

#0174 'Adenau Aces'

#0178 'Sharknose'

A racing scene from 1979 that stands out in the annals of sporting history

#0268 “René Arnoux and Gilles Villeneuve”

It was the perfect race for René Arnoux at Dijon in 1979. It got off to a disastrous start after he lost his second place on the grid in the French Grand Prix to his arch-rivals from England and Italy, finding himself down in ninth place by the first corner. But Arnoux fought his way back and made the most of his Renault turbo engine. With three laps to go, he was wheel-to-wheel with Gilles Villeneuve, who had led for much of the race. The lead changed hands several times until Villeneuve crossed the line just seconds ahead of Arnoux. In terms of intensity and mutual respect, however, it was perhaps one of the greatest racing duels of all time in Formula 1. Jabouille won, Villeneuve finished second, but Arnoux took his fans’ hearts by storm.

About the artwork